KYIV, Nov 21 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy delivered a powerful and emotional address to the nation on Friday, vowing he would never betray Ukraine after the United States presented a controversial peace proposal requiring Kyiv to accept several of Russia’s long-standing demands.
Speaking outside his presidential office — a location he reserves only for pivotal national moments — Zelenskiy urged Ukrainians to remain united as the country faces intense diplomatic pressure from its most crucial ally.
“This is one of the most difficult moments in our history,” Zelenskiy said. “Ukraine now faces a hard choice — either lose dignity or risk losing a key partner. I will fight day and night to ensure our dignity and freedom are not compromised.”
U.S. Pushes Kyiv to Accept 28-Point Proposal
According to two sources familiar with the discussions, Washington has given Kyiv one week to accept a 28-point framework that includes:
- Ceding parts of eastern Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control
- Accepting permanent limits on Ukraine’s military
- Formally abandoning ambitions to join NATO
- Agreeing to gradually lift sanctions on Russia
- Allowing Russia to rejoin the G8
- Pooling frozen Russian assets into an investment fund shared partly with the U.S.
In return, the plan offers a vague promise that “Ukraine will receive robust security guarantees,” with no details resembling NATO’s Article 5 defence commitment.
The sources said the U.S. warned that intelligence sharing and military aid may be halted if Kyiv rejects the plan. The White House has not commented on the report.
Zelenskiy Seeks Support From European Allies
Following the U.S. delegation’s visit to Kyiv on Thursday, Zelenskiy held calls with leaders of the U.K., Germany, France and later U.S. Vice President JD Vance. In public remarks, he avoided directly criticising Washington but stressed that any deal must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“We value the efforts of the United States, President Trump and his team. But peace must be real and dignified,” he said.
European leaders were reportedly not consulted on the proposal. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sharply condemned the terms, warning:
“Russia has no legal right to demand concessions from the country it invaded. This is a very dangerous moment.”
Think-tank experts also warned that accepting such a deal could trigger political and social turmoil in Ukraine after nearly four years of war.
Confusion Over Umerov’s Role
U.S. officials claimed Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov had consulted on and approved most of the plan.
But Umerov denied this, stating he only handled coordination duties and did not endorse any terms.
Russia Encourages Kyiv to Accept the Deal
The Kremlin said it had not received an official proposal from Washington but urged Kyiv to make a “responsible decision” quickly.
The U.S. plan aligns closely with Russia’s demands, requiring Ukraine to withdraw from territories Moscow claims to have annexed.
A Turning Point in the War
President Trump campaigned on ending the war quickly and has alternated between criticising and pressuring Moscow.
His administration recently sanctioned Russia’s main oil companies, pushing global buyers to halt imports by Friday.
As Ukraine faces its toughest diplomatic crossroads since the invasion began, Zelenskiy reaffirmed his stance clearly: no peace that destroys Ukraine’s dignity.
